Michael Gunner’s Treasury portfolio takeover could backfire, says political economist

THE decision to carry the responsibility of Treasury on his shoulders could seriously backfire for Chief Minister Michael Gunner, a political expert says.

• NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner unveils his new Cabinet, takes over Treasurer role

THE decision to carry the responsibility of Treasury on his shoulders could seriously backfire for Chief Minister Michael Gunner, a political expert says.

The poor state of the NT’s economy has become a ticking time bomb, with the Territory’s debt set to hit $8.2bn this financial year.

Charles Darwin University academic professor Rolf Gerritsen said by taking over the Treasury portfolio, Mr Gunner would be single-handedly responsible for the NT’s economic recovery in the eyes of the public.

It’s a “significant risk” that Professor Gerritsen thinks could cost Mr Gunner his leadership down the track if things turn bad.

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“I think the Chief Minister thinks his leadership largely won Labor the election, so now he thinks he can single-handedly get the NT through this economic ­crisis,” he said.

“I think that’s a mistake because many voters would have went with Labor for stability, not necessarily because of Mr Gunner at all.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Treasurer Nicole Manison brief the media on the NT Government's ‘pre-election fiscal outlook’ at Parliament House on July 29, 2020. Picture: Che Chorley

“The time will come when this government has to make serious decisions about how to cut costs and now all the blame will fall to Chief Minister if people don’t like how they handle it.

“It’s plausible to say he could end up losing the leadership later down the track.”

Professor Gerritsen said the move to take the Treasury portfolio from Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison could also be a calculated political move to keep her in check.

“The demotion could be a tiny bit of pay back for what happened in 2018,” he said.

“In politics, unless a leader is on top of his game, they’re always looking over at who might replace them.

“That might also be why Natasha Fyles was stripped of the Attorney-General portfolio.

“She’s also a very strong candidate for leadership.”

Professor Gerritsen said it was largely uncommon for an NT Chief Minister to take on the role of Treasurer.

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Former CLP chief minister Adam Giles held the Treasury portfolio briefly during his time in office after Dave Tollner resigned amid a gay slur scandal.

Former Labor chief minister Clare Martin held the Treasury role during her government’s first term.